http://www.fastcompany.com/3042863/the-future-of-work/new-research-shows-were-all-bad-listeners-who-think-we-work-too-much
Have you ever met someone who was an absolute joy to talk to, but you couldn't pinpoint why? Did your conversations breeze through and you felt a real connection with them? More often than not, it’s because they were simply a good listener.
The fact of the matter is, the majority of communication problems stem from our ineffectiveness in listening over speaking. Ironically, most of us consider ourselves as good listeners - even as we text, surf the internet and check out emails mid conversation!
Recent research put the spotlight on the magnitude of this misaligned perception. Almost all respondents believed themselves to be good listeners, yet with further questioning, admitted to being easily distracted and constantly multitasking. …show more content…
Even if the subject flys over your head, this will show your interesting in listening to what they have to say.
Let’s say your friend is passionately recalling all the cars he's owned. You will probably feel completely uninterested and out of your depth, but you could still show your listening by asking, “Which was your favorite”, “What made it so special?” etc.
3. Remember Empathy Over Creativity
As we listen to others speak, we often find ourselves chomping at the bit to inject our own ideas or advice on the matter. But if we are not careful, over enthusiasm can demonstrate a lack of understanding.
Good listeners always place empathy above creativity during conversations. They pay attention to the other’s emotions and feelings before adding.
To become an empathic listener, try placing yourself in the other person’s position and relating to them. If in doubt, remember this basic principle, “seek to understand, before being understood”.
4. Keep Your Emotions in
Have you ever met someone who was an absolute joy to talk to, but you couldn't pinpoint why? Did your conversations breeze through and you felt a real connection with them? More often than not, it’s because they were simply a good listener.
The fact of the matter is, the majority of communication problems stem from our ineffectiveness in listening over speaking. Ironically, most of us consider ourselves as good listeners - even as we text, surf the internet and check out emails mid conversation!
Recent research put the spotlight on the magnitude of this misaligned perception. Almost all respondents believed themselves to be good listeners, yet with further questioning, admitted to being easily distracted and constantly multitasking. …show more content…
Even if the subject flys over your head, this will show your interesting in listening to what they have to say.
Let’s say your friend is passionately recalling all the cars he's owned. You will probably feel completely uninterested and out of your depth, but you could still show your listening by asking, “Which was your favorite”, “What made it so special?” etc.
3. Remember Empathy Over Creativity
As we listen to others speak, we often find ourselves chomping at the bit to inject our own ideas or advice on the matter. But if we are not careful, over enthusiasm can demonstrate a lack of understanding.
Good listeners always place empathy above creativity during conversations. They pay attention to the other’s emotions and feelings before adding.
To become an empathic listener, try placing yourself in the other person’s position and relating to them. If in doubt, remember this basic principle, “seek to understand, before being understood”.
4. Keep Your Emotions in